We headed slowly up the hill recording the very diverse heathland plants. Lots of plants were just starting to flower or in bud.

Discovering heathland diversity

Margaret MacDonald reminded us of the history of the reserve and how it was bought at auction with funds from Trust for Nature to prevent further development in the heathland. Mary White and Angair had lobbied hard to retain this area. Mary was photographed at the new sign with Angair members shortly before she died. The reserve was included in the National Park in 1995.

Mary D White heathland

We experienced the magic as we slowly climbed the hill, turning frequently to take in the wide expanse of heathland and sea.

View towards lighthouse

It was exciting to find Corybas incurvus Slaty Helmet Orchid leaves, and then lots of Pyrochis nigricans Red Beak leaves along the overgrown vehicle track. There were also Leek Orchid leaves. The climbing sundews were impressive in the sun.

Discussion

The way back along the overgrown track was difficult.

Navigating the overgrown track

A very showy Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller plant was worth a photo.

Weed of the month

Freesia

Freesia refracta and Freesia alba X F. leichtlinii are declared weeds in the Surf Coast Shire because they spread easily and threaten to invade bushland. Freesias are perennial herbs that die back in summer and produce new foliage in winter. The highly fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers appearing in spring are white to cream and pink with yellow markings, shaded purple on outer surface. Each plant has at least two corms, one below the other, thus requiring deep digging to remove them.